Drugmaker AstraZeneca See Profits Jump

Oct. 29, 2009

H1N1 vaccine sales contributed

Anglo-Swedish pharmaceuticals giant AstraZeneca said on Oct.29 its third-quarter net profit rose 22.3% from the level 12 months ago to $2.115 billion dollars.

AstraZeneca added that sales rose 5.5% to reach $8.2 billion in the three months to the end of September, compared with the same part of 2008.

"Our strong business performance is driven by good operating execution bolstered by revenue upsides from Toprol-XL and H1N1 vaccine sales," said Chief Executive David Brennan.

The company was boosted by strong sales of hypertension treatment Toprol XL and also the cholesterol drug Crestor.

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